Three attackers then leapt out and started stabbing passers-by at random after the van had crashed, witnesses claimed.

Armed police shot and killed three suspects, within eight minutes of the original incident on the bridge.

The Met have confirmed the incidents are being treated as a terror attack and in their latest update confirmed seven people were killed in the attack.

A witness, known also as Eric, claimed he saw a van driving on the wrong side of the road before three men jumped out and started running towards bars and restaurants, shouting “this is for Allah”.

He told BBC Radio 5Live: “The three people literally started kicking them, punching them, and took out knives. It was a rampage really.”

Express.co.uk heard from a witness that a white van had appeared to purposefully hit pedestrians on the bridge at 10.08pm.

SKY / TWITTER

A vehicle is said to have 'mowed into people' on London Bridge

Mark Rowley, assistant commissioner for the Metropolitan police, said in statement: “You will understand that our knowledge of the incident is still growing but what we understand at the present time is.

“At 22:08hrs yesterday evening we began to receive reports that a vehicle had struck pedestrians on London Bridge.

“The suspects then left the vehicle and a number of people were stabbed, including an on-duty British Transport Police officer who was responding to the incident at London Bridge. He received serious but not life-threatening injuries. His family has been informed.

“Armed officers responded very quickly and bravely, confronting three male suspects who were shot and killed in Borough Market.

“The suspects had been confronted and shot by the police within eight minutes of the first call. The suspects were wearing what looked like explosive vests but these were later established to be hoaxes.

“The ongoing operation is led by the Met, working closely with British Transport Police, City of London Police, the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade.

“I thought at first it was fireworks. That was the first instance and only afterwards the emergency started but the whole incident started with gunfire it was significant gunfire, it went on for 10 minutes.”

JOEY MILLAR / EXPRESS

There are also unconfirmed reports of a knife attack following the incident

GETTY

The police force have been praised for their prompt and brave reaction

In the aftermath of the attack police told people to keep away from the area. The Shard and News UK Building werealso placed on lockdown.

Police helicopter was at the scene along with numerous ambulances and police vehicles.

Dozens of people were on the bridge at the time of the attack and were being questioned by police.

Many were in tears while at least one appearing to be suffering from shock.

The Prime Minister described the incident as a dreadful event.

Theresa May said: “I can confirm that the terrible incident in London is being treated as a potential act of terrorism.

“I want to express my huge gratitude to the police and emergency services who are on the scene. Our thoughts are with those who are caught up in these dreadful events.”

US President Donald Trump spoke to Mrs May to offer his condolences for the “brutal” terror attack, the White House said.

He has also tweeted condolences and support.

Mr Trump wrote: “Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the UK, we will be there – WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!”

The US state department issues a statement, condemning "the cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians in London".

EXPRESS

Police at the scene of the incident in London Bridge

It said the US “stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request”.

Sadiq Khan, the London Mayor, said he is “appalled” by the “cowardly” terror attack.

He said: “There are no words to describe the grief and the anger that our city will be feeling today.

“I’m appalled and furious that these cowardly terrorists would deliberately target innocent Londoners and bystanders enjoying their Saturday night.

“There can be no justification for the acts of these terrorists and I'm quite clear we'll never let them win nor we will allow them to cower our city or Londoners.”

Mr Khan added that he is not an advocate of postponing the General Election, which is currently being held on Thursday.

Jeremy Corbyn tweeted: “Brutal and shocking incidents reported in London. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Thank you to the emergency services.”

Media in France reported that two French citizens were injured in the attack.

A statement from the Elysee said: “The attack which struck London, days after that which took place in Manchester, is a new abominable and cowardly attack against our free society.

“Fellow French citizens are among the injured. France is putting everything in place to assist them."

At least two Australians are believed to have been caught-up in the violence of the London terror attacks, with Malcolm Turnbull confirming at least one national is in hospital.

The Prime Minister used a televised message this afternoon to provide an update on the attacks which he said were perpetrated by “murderous Islamist terrorists”.

Mr Turnbull said the government was continuing to make inquiries about the other Australian believed to have been directly affected.

He said: “This attack is yet another cruel example of the new reality with which we live — the ever-present threat of murderous Islamist terrorists intent to harm our communities, our way of life and the freedoms we hold dear.”

A Kiwi citizen has been put in an induced coma after being seriously injured in the London attacks, New Zealand media reports.

Oliver Dowling, from Christchurch, was among those injured in the Borough Market stabbing, according to his family.

His sister, Freddy, says he’s in an induced coma after being stabbed in the face, neck and stomach. The injuries missed his vital organs, she says.